18 Awesome Craft + DIY Books
March is National Craft Month, and given how much I love crafting + the fact that I have some seriously crafty friends, I thought it would be fun to share a roundup of awesome craft books. The amazing thing? When I queried these creatives, they all shared different recommendations across different craft types. LOVE. I have a number of these titles and think it’s a solid goal to add the entire suite to my collection! Also, if you have other recommendations, feel free to share in the comments at the bottom of this post.
General Craft Books
1. Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. “There are so many good ones — most that we keep tend to be very specific and niche and we pick them up as my kids interests change and develop. But if you're just starting to build your crafting library, my favorite general book is Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts. It's the real deal. Great information. Great visuals. All from a crafting team that knows their glue glitter.” -Gabrielle of Design Mom
2. Modge Podge Rocks by Amy Anderson. “The book features more than 40 fun and fantastic projects using the wonder-supply that all crafters adore: Mod Podge!” -Caroline Gravino
3. Put Your Stamp On It by Meagan Lewis. “This stamping book is one of my favorites to get project ideas on things to make with my 5 year old daughter Chloe. We love to stamp to make pictures, wrapping paper or cards so it's a great way to try new techniques.” -Natalie Zee Drieu of Coquette
Fabric Craft Books
4. Fabrics A-Z by Dana Willard. “This sewing and fabric book from the lovely Dana Willard of MADE is the perfect guide for choosing the right style of fabric for your project!” -Marie LeBaron of Make and Takes
5. Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. "This book is replete with adorable and stylish projects ranging from quick (coasters) to more involved (quilts). It's one of my go-to inspiration points when I'm thinking about starting a new sewing project." -Christine Koh of Boston Mamas
6. New Dress a Day by Marisa Lynch. Marisa is a self-taught seamstress and yet is able to turn thrift store castoffs into covet-worthy & current pieces, like her "As Seen on TV" runway copycats for Hello Giggles & the Goodwill-to-gala pieces she upcycled for the sisters in The Fighter to wear on the Oscars red carpet. Her unassuming attitude and inclusive tips make even a total amateur feel at ease ponying up to her sewing machine for the first time.” -Melissa Massello of Apartment Therapy
7. Oliver + S Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson. “A pleasure just to look at, the patterns in this book are a compilation of the best from the Oliver + S company. Skirts, jackets, backpacks, and wonderful hats, all sized for children but in designs that will appeal to adults. The patterns indicate their level of difficulty, and the instructions are illustrated and pretty easy to follow. A fun book for sewing for kids.” -Kate Fichter of Boston Mamas
8. Sewing for All Seasons by Susan Beal. “I am a sewer at heart and this book has lots of easy year-round small sewing projects you can make such as placemats, aprons, ornaments, slippers and more. The fabrics used for the projects in the book are just gorgeous so I sometimes just find myself just flipping through the photos when I don't have time to actually sew.” -Natalie Zee Drieu of Coquette
9. Sunday Morning Quilts by Amanda Jean Nyberg & Cheryl Arkison. “This book is a great beginner's guide to quilting. Pretty patterns, good inspiration, and easy-to-follow instructions that actually make quilting seem within reach. A great place to start out for a first quilt (as I did) or to try something a bit more advanced.” -Kate Fichter of Boston Mamas
Embroidery Craft Books
10. Edgy Embroidery by Renee Rominger. “Embroidery has made a serious comeback and fittingly, this embroidery book will help you reinvent traditional stitches into cool, modern designs.” -Christine Koh of Boston Mamas
Food Craft Books
11. Decorating Cookies by Bridget Edwards. “I love a DIY book where I can learn something completely new. When it comes to the most adorably decorated sugar cookies you've ever seen and the best step by step instructions to help you get it right every time, this book rocks! Bridget is the Michael Jordan of cookie decorating.” -Kami Bigler of No Biggie
Lettering Craft Books
12. By Hand by Nicole Miyuki Santo. “Gorgeous lettering is super popular and if you want to learn how to make beautiful brush letters and numbers for all manner of projects, this book is for you.” -Christine Koh of Boston Mamas
Kid Craft Books
13. Hand in Hand by Jenny Doh. “This book includes gorgeous and doable projects that parents and children can craft together. The photography is beautiful and colorful and the projects are inspiring.” -Caroline Gravino
14. Make and Takes for Kids by Marie LeBaron. “As much as I love to make things and craft, I fall short when it comes to simple and cute kid crafts, so I love Make and Takes for Kids as a quick go to when it comes to kid crafting...and as a bonus, I happen to love the author.” -Kami Bigler of No Biggie
Yarn Craft Books
15 + 16. Knitting Without Needles + Weaving Within Reach by Anne Weil. “I had the delightful opportunity to learn how to knit without needles with Anne Weil herself (!) at a maker’s night my friend Paige Lewin hosted. It’s so easy and the projects in this book are simply gorgeous. And the great thing about knitting with big chunky fabric is that you can complete projects quickly! If you end up loving this book, also check out Anne’s book Weaving Within Reach.” -Christine Koh of Boston Mamas
17. Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson. “A great option for when you're ready to try something more advanced. The patterns are gorgeous and reflect different ethnic and cultural traditions, including Icelandic, Celtic, and German. The patterns are sized for adults and children, and include a good range of mittens, gloves, fingerless gloves, mittens with fold-over flaps, and and even arm warmers. I've made several patterns from this book and wear and enjoy them all.” -Kate Fichter of Boston Mamas
18. POM-POMS! 25 Awesomely Fluffy Projects by Sarah Goldschadt & Lexi Walters Wright. “I love all the unique and fun tutorials to make yarn poms from this Pom-Poms book. From little creatures to flowers to garlands. It makes me yarn happy!” -Marie LeBaron of Make and Takes